Page 14 of A Love So Sweet

“Before I dismiss you, I want you to understand that I consider you all close friends and family. If you ever find yourself in a situation like Dawson, even if it’s not as severe but heavy enough that it puts you in a bind, please come to me first. Never go to the extreme of stealing, gambling, or doing anything illegal to help your situation. I am always here for you. Okay?”

“Okay – you got it, boss,” They all said. “Good. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m heading out. If anyone needs me, you know how to reach me.”

And with that, Lance went home to Allison.

ChapterSix

Four weeks later

“Surprise!”

Allison jumped into Lance’s arms, her eyes widening after they’d entered the Valentine estate.

“Oh, my goodness, what is going on?” Allison shouted.

Lance rubbed her arms. “Yes, whatisgoing on?”

Bridgette Valentine, Lance’s mother, smiled delightedly, as did the room full of their family and friends. “Well, I’ll give you a guess.”

Lance and Allison’s eyes swept the area. Balloons, blue, and pink decorated every corner of the room. One corner was filled with gifts, large and small, while the other end hosted tables of food.

The couple glanced at each other then back to Bridgette.

“A baby shower,” they surmised together.

“You’re partially correct.” Bridgette tapped her fingers together excitedly. “A gender reveal, too!”

Lance and Allison glanced at each other again.

“Wait. How do you know what we’re having?” Lance asked.

Bridgette placed her hands on her hips. “Please, I’m your mother. And also, you have me on the list of people to contact about your health. So, I went to the office to find out. I hope you don’t mind. We wanted to celebrate you and your bundle of joy.”

Allison’s mouth dropped. “Damn, and I thought my mom was nosey.”

Soft laughter bounced around the room.

“Hey, I heard that!”

Allison's eyes shot to the open door where Margaret strutted inside with her father, Thomas Sullivan. Allison’s face brightened, a smile curving her lips as she let out a heavy giggle.

“Damn, y’all could’ve warned me.”

The guests laughed again. “What would a soirée like this be if your parents were not here?”

“You’re right. I guess I’m just in shock, is all.”

Bridgette grabbed Allison’s hand and then her son’s. “Come over here and sit down.” They sat side by side in two chairs that looked as if they came from the throne of a palace.

“Tell me what you would like to do first. Open gifts, the gender reveal, or eat.”

“Let me ask,” Allison said, “the reveal isn’t some craziness that’s going to burn the house down, is it? Because these things have gotten out of control lately, and I love this place.”

They all laughed. “No, no. It’s something simple but beautiful and heartwarming.”

Lance settled his gaze on Allison. “I like the sound of that.”

She smiled over at him. “Yeah? Me too.”

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